Medicine-case



Patented Feb. 2|, |899.

No. 620,0I3.

. F. BARNES.

MEDICINE CASE.

iApplication led Feb. 25, 1898.)

2 Sheets--Sheet l.

(No Model.)

m um

www. ...NQ

'rus Nonms PETERS co., wuruurwu.. wAsmm-.Touf o. c

UNITED STATES PATENT DEEICE.

WILLIAM F. BARNES, vOF WALDRON, MICHIGAN.

MEDICINE-CASE SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 620,013, dated February 21, 1899. Application filed February 25, 1898. Serial No. 671,626. (No model.)

To @ZZ whom t ncty concern:

Be it known Ythat I, WILLIAM F. BARNES, a citizen of the United States, residing at Waldron, in the county of Hillsdale and State of Michigan, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Medicine-Cases; and I do hereby declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same.

This invention relates to a medicine-case of a portable nature; and it consists of a body which opens at the side, preferably having longitudinal and transverse partitions therein strongly bracing the said body and forining narrow compartments at the outside ends as well as providing means for attaching bottle-carriers movable in horizontal planes and having clasps thereon for holding different sizes of bottles against accidental disengagement.

The invention further consists of the details of construction and arrangement of the several parts, which will be more fully hereinafter described and claimed.

In devices of this character as heretofore employed the manner of supporting and nesting bottles containing medicaments has been incomplete and usually unsatisfactory. The construction of the several devices has been such that the supports would loosen or break away and soon become incapable of serving their intended purpose. A further inconvenience has arisen from the positioning of the bottles inaccessibly as well as requiringV the full opening of the case in order to withdraw the same for use. A further objection to such cases as now commonly employed is the cumbersome construction embodied therein, which is made necessary under the present arrangement to carry the requisite number of bottles, and, further, no practical provision has been made to accommodate bottles of varying sizes and support them all against accidental disengagement, movement during transportation, or breakage.

The object of this invention is to construct a medicine-case arranged to contain an adjustable display means for a plurality of bottles, which may vary in size and be readily removed from either one or both sides of the case and adapted to contain in a reduced space -hinge used on the device.

as `many bottles as heretofore provided in cases now in use and in addition leave sufficient space for the application of incidental conveniences in a comparatively simple, du= rable, and inexpensive manner.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is a perspective view of the improved case shown closed. Fig. 2 is a similar view of the case shown open and one of the bottle-carriers swung outwardly. Fig. 3 is a horizontal section, on an enlarged scale, of the case as shown arranged in Fig. l. Fig. 4 is a detail view of one of the bottle-carriers, showing a dierent form of clasp thereon. Fig. 5 is a plan view of the blank, on which the clasps are formed as 'shown applied in Fig. 4. Fig. 6 is adetail View of the carrier, showing a further change in the form of clasps. Fig. 7 is a detail perspective view of a combined corner brace and Fig. 8 is a bottom plan view of a locking-catch applied to the device.

Referring to the drawings, wherein similar numerals of reference are employed to indicate corresponding parts in the several views, the numeral 1 designates the body of the case, which, as shown, is rectangular in form; but changes in the configuration of course could be made so long as the principle of the invention is involved. The opposite sides of the said body are in the form of drop lids or covers 2, which is a preferred arrangement, and against the inner surfaces of said lids or covers pockets 3 are fixed or secured in any suitable manner. While it is intended in large cases to have both sides provided with the dropA lids or covers, in cases of less width it is intended that only one side be opened, and this construction would refer particularly to what are known as pocket-cases. This has not been shown, as it is an obvious departure, and in viewof the fact that all the remaining features of the improved construction will be employed, and, further, in the double form the parts are duplicated on opposite sides, and the invention remains constant on one side alone, so far as the arrangement of the bottle-carriers is concerned. The pockets 3 on the lids or covers are intended to receive paper for making up powders or other purposes, and said lids or covers are hinged at their lower edges adjacent to the IOCl bottom of thc case by means of combined corner braces and hinges 4. (Shown in detail in Fig. 7.) Each of these combined cor- 11er braces and hinges comprises a bottom 5, side 6, and a fiange 7, all of integral construction and struck up preferably from suitable sheet nietal, though, if desired, the said form can be made of cast metal. To the bottom 5, adjacent to the liange 7, a hinge-leaf S is movably attached, and the said hingeleaves are secured to the lids or covers 2, while the braces proper sul'round the adjacent parts of the corners of the ends and bottom, and, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the bottoms 5 of the said braces proper have small feet or projections 9 extending therefrom, on which the entire case is adapted to rest. These combined braces and hinges when applied as shown in Figs. 1 and 2 prevent abrasion or wear of the lower corners of the case, and the hin ge-leaves being extended are made more durable,as they are less liable to become broken or loosened by continuous use.

In the double form of the case, as shown, the inside of the body has a longitudinal partition 10 extending centrally therethrough and secured at its opposite ends to transverse projections 1l, which stand inward from the ends of the case a suitable distance and form end compartments in which are removably fitted supplemental cases 12 for the reception of lancets, scalpels, scissors, hypodermie syringes, thread, needles, and other devices. These supplement-al cases can be removed from their compartments by pushing them from either side, and to accommodate their easy removal or storage the bottoms thereof are slightly elevated above the bottom of the case, the latter being preferably beveled on its opposite edges to avoid the formation of resisting projections, as clearly shown in Fig. 2. The supplemental cases 12 are of any suitable material and are intended to be provided with covers; but this construction may be varied, as well as the use of the same for containing articles other than those mentioned. The center partition 10 divides the case into opposite longitudinal compartments, and these compartments are subdivided by central transverse partitions 13, which extend outwardly from the said longitudinal partition and are rigidly supported also by the bottom of the case. The outer ends of the said partitions 13 terminate a short distance within the outward extent of the case and are formed with a series of knuckles 14, havingintervening spaces between the same which are constructed, preferably, by horizontally slitting or cutting the said ends and bending the alternate released portions in opposite directions to provide oppositely-extending sets of said knuckles. This construction, however, may be varied and is stated merely to show one novel means of inexpensively attaining the desired result. To these partitions 13 bottle-carriers 15 are movably attached, there being two on each side of the case, as shown;

but When the case will be made in single form of course this number Will be correspondingly reduced. Each of the carriers consists of a vertical support 16, having the inner end 17 bent ata right angle, and the free edge of said end in each instance is form ed with alternate knuckles 18 and spaces 19, which in the adjacent carriers are so arranged that the knuckles 18 on one will be opposite a space 19 on the other for the purpose of engaging the spaces and knuckles of the partitions 13. The angular end 17 compensates for the extent of the bottles when in engagement therewith and holds them out of contact with the opposite lids or covers and far enough away from the latter not to be affected by shocks or jars applied to the exterior of said lids or covers. The lower portions of the said carriers have either a double or single horizontally-disposed base-rest 20 extending therefrom, as clearly shown in Figs. 4 and 6, and where a single base-rest is used it is intended that bottles be supported only on one side of the carrier. lVhere a double baserest is employed, the bottles are mounted on both sides of the carrier and may vary in dimensions, short bottles being located on one side and longer bottles on the opposite side. When the carriers are only provided with means for supporting bottles on one side thereof, it is intended that this form of the same be used in small cases, and, as shown in the accompanying drawings, the form of retaining-clasps for the bottles may be varied and the identity of the invention still be preserved. In Fig. 2 a clasp is shown which embodies a plate 21, having tongues 22 cut therefrom at regular intervals and inalternation in horizontal alinement and bent into curved form. This is very simple, but the preferred construction is illustrated by Figs. 4 and 5. In this instance a sheet-metal plate, as shown by Fig. 5, is cut longitudinally and transversely at predetermined distances, as at 23 and 24, the metal being removed where cut, as at 24, so as to permit a longitudinal contraction of the plate when the tongues 25, as formed by the longitudinal cuts 23, are bent upwardly in curved contour, as clearly shown in Fig. 4. By closely observing Fig. 5 it will be noted that the tongues 25 have the alternate ends cut entirely through and are bent upwardly in reverse directions. A great saving in metal is had in the construction of the clasp as shown by Figs. 4 and 5 and also a very secure and simple form of clasp provided. As shown in Fig. 4, the lower portion of the support 16 is cut out, as at 26, and the loose metal is then bent down and may be used as a bottom support. In this arrangement, of course, the base-rest 20, as shown in the other form, is dispensed with. Where a single base-rest is used, it is formed integral with the support 16, and in the double form of said rest one side is integral with the support and the other side suitably attached thereto, except in the form noted in Fig. 4,

IOO

where the metal or material is cut at the bottom portion. One or more sets of clasps can be applied to one or both sides of the support 16, the number of said clasps being regulated by the length of the bottles. In Fig. 6 a further form of clasp is shown and is especially intended for use with long bottles and comprises upwardlylextending arms 27, having curved clasps 28 at upper ends thereof. These arms and clasps 27 and 28 are adapted to be formed integrally with the base-rest 20, from which they rise, and the said construction may be duplicated on opposite sides of the support 16 or used on one side alone, which will be an obvious change.

In large cases, such as shown by Figs. 1 and 2, small bottles are supported on one side of the carriers and longer bottles on the opposite side and oneside of the carrier may be provided with one form of the clasps shown and the opposite side with another form of such clasps or both sides may have the same kind of clasps thereon. Against the partition 10 a suitable cushion will be placed to protect the bottles resting adjacent thereto when the carriers are closed in, it being seen in Fig. 3 that the bottles on the inner side of the clasps stand away from the partition a considerable distance and that the said cushions may be applied as shown in dotted lines in said figure. When it is desired to use the case, one or both lids or covers 2, as the construction may admit and necessity require, are opened and thebottle containing the selected medicamenty is removed from its carrier and afterward replaced in position. If the bottle be on therear side of the carrier, the latter is swung outwardly, as shown in Fig. 2, to gain access to the bottle sought for. It will also be seen that both carriers may be opened and not interfere 'with each other in view of the angular construction of one end of each carrier. Of course the dimensions of the case will regulate the number of bottles that can be carried therein, and, as shown, each carrier is constructed to support ten small bottles, making twenty on a side, or forty in an ordinary case in addition to twenty or more larger bottles on the opposite sides of the carriers. Of course this number can be varied and instead of a combination of large and small bottles all large or all small bottles can be employed. Furthermore, it might be convenient for some purposes to have the carriers furnished in sets, and as they are readily attachable and detachable different carriers can be substituted for others and used for various professional services. The case, however, as an entirety when furnished will have sufficient space or provision forsupporting all bottles ordinarily necessary for a physician to have in the treatment of general diseases. By having the bottles supported upright and in planes parallel with the plane of suspension during the transportation or rest of the case the contents of the several bottles will remain undisturbed and the Stoppers are less liable to become loosened when jarred or jolted.

As a convenient means of locking the lids or covers 3 the inner upper portion of each lid or cover is supplied with a locking tongue or striker 27 which is adapted to be engaged by a locking-nose 28 on the outer ends of spring-arms 29, as clearly shown in Fig. 8. The said spring-arm is carried within a casing 30, secured on the top of the case, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, and each nose 28 depends far enough below the casing 30 to engage the locking tongue or striker 27 on the lids or covers. The arms 29 are continuous with each other and have a central elongated loop 31, which is iitted over a holding-stud 32 in the said casing 30, and on opposite sides of the said loop 31 are smaller reversely-arranged limiting-loops 33, which are adapted to contact with the adjacent edge of the casing 30 in the movement of the said arms 29. Each nose 28 is movable in a slot 341 and connected to a push-head 35, eXteriorly exposed and by means of which the said nose in each instance may be disengaged from its engaging tongue or striker 27', and thereby release the lid or cover 2. By this means it will be seen that a simple form of catch is arranged in connection with the case that can be easily and quickly applied in position and without mutilating the material of the said case to any `great extent, and the exterior of the casing 30 may be suitably plated or otherwise ornamented to present a pleasing appearance, and over the same and connected to the top of the case proper is a grip or handle 3G. It is intended that the oase be covered with leather, as at 37, though other materials may be used, if desired. Leather is preferred, however, in View of the fact that it is durable and more cleanly than other materials, and in View of the construction of the case it will only require about two separate pieces of leather to fully cover all the parts. After the case is covered the combined braces and hinges are mounted thereover, and the latter may also be plated or otherwise ornamented and other ornamental fittings may be applied at such points as found desirable.

One essential advantage in arranging the bottles in the carriers in upright position is that they can be withdrawn outwardly from the clasps supporting the same without sliding the bottles tbward the top of the case and again in a similar manner be applied to the said clasps.

Other changes aside from those enumerated and relating to the proportions, dimensions, and minor details of construction and arrangement of the several parts might be made and substituted for those shown and described without in the least departing from the nature or spirit of the invention or sacrificing any of the advantages thereof.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new is- 1. A medicine-case having oppositely-dis IOO IIO

posed hinged bottle-carriers swinging in a horizontal plane, the adjacent ends of said carriers being bent at an angle and attached each to a common, intermediate, central support.

2. A medicine-case comprising a body with outWardly-extending,transverse partitions at the center thereof, and bottle-carriers arranged in pairs and having their inner ends hinged to the outer portions of said partitions on opposite sides thereof.

3. A medicine-case having opposite open sides, lids or covers for said sides, a central longitudinal partition and central transverse partitions on opposite sides of said longitudinal partition, and bottle-carriers arranged in pairs on opposite sides of said partitions and hinged at their inner ends to said central transverse partitions and adapted to swing outwardly in a horizontal plane.

4. A medicine-case comprising a body having inner transverse partitions at a distance from the ends of said body and to form compartments with said ends, a longitudinal partition extending through the center of the body from one transverse partition to the other, supplemental cases removably mounted in the compartments formed by the transverse partitions and the ends of the body, central transverse partitions, bottle-carriers arranged in pairs on opposite sides and having theirinner ends attached to the outer portions of the said central partitions and hinged lids or covers.

5. A medicine-case comprising bottle-carriers arranged in pairs on opposite sides of a longitudinal partition extending between transverse partitions near the ends of the case, and separating said pairs of carriers, said carriers having their inner ends bent at right angles to compensate for the outward projection of the bottles supported by said carriers, and a central transverse partition to which said carriers are hinged in pairs provided With tongues struck out ot said carriers to form base-rests for the bottles, substantially as described.

6. A clasp for a bottle-carrier consisting of a sheet-metal strip cut longitudinally and transversely to form arms, parts of the clasps being contracted by removing a portion of the metal at the edge, and the contracted strip se'- cured against movement.

7. A clasp for supporting a bottle consisting of a metallic strip having arms cut there from at regular intervals and bent into curved form, the material being removed at the upper and lower edges and the strip as an entirety contracted and secured to retain the arms in form.

8. A clasp for supporting bottles consisting of a strip of material cut longitudinally to form arms which are bent outwardly therefrom, the strip being buckled at regular intervals between the alined series of arms to form a seat forthe bottles to be supported thereby.

9. A medicine-case having a transverse support therein with the free edge thereof cut and formed into alternately-arranged lines of knuckles with intervening spaces, and bottle-carriers having their inner ends formed with coinciding knuckles which are fitted to the knuckles on the support to provide a hinge connection.

In testimony whereof I aiix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

WILLAM F. BARNES.

Vitnesses:

O. R. YEAGLEY, W. I. HADLEY. 

